I cannot run this one as have sprained my ankle but the lads know the route.
Meet at my house at 10am. Confirm on Facebook if you're running.
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
Training Run - Wednesday 30/12
There will be a training run on Wednesday 30th using the same route as last Wednesday.
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
Training Run
Well done to Ben, Will, Sam, Freddie and Luca who went on today's training run.
Perfect conditions and great effort all round.
Thursday, December 17, 2015
Hips don't lie...
I am sure I speak for the whole LRFC Cougars extended family in
wishing Mark well today as he goes under the knife for a hip
replacement despite not being in his 70's.
All the best for a speedy and full recovery.
No doubt he will be back on the touch line as soon as he is able and
maybe even back in goal for training sessions sooner than you think!
wishing Mark well today as he goes under the knife for a hip
replacement despite not being in his 70's.
All the best for a speedy and full recovery.
No doubt he will be back on the touch line as soon as he is able and
maybe even back in goal for training sessions sooner than you think!
Training and Friendly
With no league match now until 10th January (away to a well performing Lakeside) it's important that the squad maintains its fitness over the
Christmas period.
With this in mind there will be two training sessions for fitness and a friendly match.
Training
Wednesday 23/12 :: 4pm meet at my house for a 5-6.5km run
Wednesday 30/12 :: 10am meet at my house for a 5-6.5km run
These sessions are not races and will be run at an easy pace. I will
be coordinate via Facebook so I know who will be coming.
Friendly Match
Sunday 03/01 1200-1400hrs :: LRFC V FGR U16's
All Saints Academy 3G Astro turf
Note :: Astro turf trainers should be worn for this NO BLADES OR STUDS are permitted on the pitch. There is also no smoking or food allowed pitch side.
Confirmed availability for this so far is
Tommy
Adam
With this in mind there will be two training sessions for fitness and a friendly match.
Training
Wednesday 23/12 :: 4pm meet at my house for a 5-6.5km run
Wednesday 30/12 :: 10am meet at my house for a 5-6.5km run
These sessions are not races and will be run at an easy pace. I will
be coordinate via Facebook so I know who will be coming.
Friendly Match
Sunday 03/01 1200-1400hrs :: LRFC V FGR U16's
All Saints Academy 3G Astro turf
Note :: Astro turf trainers should be worn for this NO BLADES OR STUDS are permitted on the pitch. There is also no smoking or food allowed pitch side.
Confirmed availability for this so far is
- Dan G
- Sam
- Jacob
- Tom
- Ryan
- Ben
- Alf
- Dan A
- Freddie
- Max
- Luca
- Jorge
- Olly
- Will
- Lewis
Tommy
Adam
Monday, December 14, 2015
GFA County Cup Quarter Finals
Our next match in the GFA County Cup is on 31st January and will be against a team from Bristol, Bitton AFC.
Bitton play in the Avon League and currently sit top after 10 games with 9 wins and a defeat. Luckily for us the game is at home!
There are plenty of familiar teams left in the draw with Lydney, Painswick and Charlton Rovers Reds all still in the competition.
The Avon League FullTime site is here ::
Bitton play in the Avon League and currently sit top after 10 games with 9 wins and a defeat. Luckily for us the game is at home!
There are plenty of familiar teams left in the draw with Lydney, Painswick and Charlton Rovers Reds all still in the competition.
The Avon League FullTime site is here ::
Sunday, December 13, 2015
LRFC Cougars 2015
Recognising the start that we have had to our 2015/16 campaign I thought it would be interesting to look at our performances over calendar year.
We started 2015 on January 4th with an away fixture to Lakeside who we beat 8-1. Jacob scored a hat-trick in that match and was the MotM. We played a further 14 games that season as U15's only losing three against the teams that would ultimately finish above us; Lydney on 51 points and Painswick on 45. The third defeat was against Fintan, a side that we have never managed to beat and who no longer play at this level. We drew one game during that period, a league match against Gotherington 2-2.
We finished third in the league on 42 points. A significant improvement on the previous season where we were bottom of a five team Division 1.
In those 15 matches we scored 41 goals and conceded 22. Jorge was top scorer over that period with 10 goals (he was also our top goal scorer over the season with 22 in total). Jacob was close, over that period, with 8. Luca rounded out the top three with 6 goals. The most notable game during this period was the U15's Cup Final which we won 2-1 against Painswick. Tommy with both goals but a team performance that this side has never put together before.
This all points to an upward trajectory and at the start of the 2015/16 there were changes to personnel. Taylor, Finn, Louis and George all left. In came Olly, Dan and Alf. We started this season at home to Southside. We won that 6-0 with Max as the MotM. We have, so far played 12 matches at U16's winning all of them and scoring 65 goals and conceding just 16. Top scorer during this period is Luca with 21 goals, Dan (A) has 11 and Tommy completes the top 3 on 7. We have though shared goals around with, of the 16 outfield players we have registered, 11 players having scored goals.
In numbers 2015 looks like this....
Played :: 27
Won :: 23*
Lost :: 3
Drawn :: 1
*Inc. the 2015 Cup Semi Final which we won on penalties after a 3-3 draw.
We have scored 106 goals during that period, conceding only 16 and with 8 clean sheets.
Looking ahead we still have everything to play for, League, League Cup and GFA County Cup. The hard work is far from over but if we keep going as we are who knows what could happen....
Muddy Hell
LRFC U16 (3) V (0) Gotherington Youth
This was a war of attrition. The pitch was a sticky, muddy, wet pie; at least it wasn't windy. This game in the past has been one that has tripped this LRFC side up. Rarely have they lost but the most common result is often a draw. Gotherington for all their defensive sturdiness do possess a striker that can score from his own endeavour. The first half saw Gotherington threaten on more than one occasion with Will making a fantastic flying save to keep Gotherington at bay after LRFC had over complicated the game and allowed them through.
For LRFC the outlet was the right where Olly had the legs and room to run forward. Where LRFC struggled was making their territorial advantage pay. This was as much to do with the defence they faced as it was anything else.
It was 0-0 at half time.
Second half could not have been more different, with LRFC playing down the slope they made the extra legs they had on the bench count and dominated the game. Rarely were Gotherington able to clear the ball out of their half. Down the right in particular Olly, Alf, Tom and Sam were all linking well and playing some great passing football made all the more impressive as the pitch was so bad.
The opening goal came from Jorge, scoring in consecutive matches, and finishing a fine move down the right wing. The ball fizzed into the area he made no mistake with his shot. LRFC relaxed after going a goal up and kept applying the pressure even if there was a lack of cutting edge in front of goal. Gotherington continued to defend valiantly but could not prevent the second goal.
LRFC finding space, and firmer ground, out wide where there was some grass on the pitch. Max this time on hand to finish the move with a well struck shot. Sam created the goal, taking responsibility for the loose ball as he ran forward from full back and sending a cross from deeper.
With more changes made to playing personnel the pattern of play was not disrupted. The third and final goal came from Luca scoring from close range in the box and seizing on a defensive mix-up. 3-0 and how the game would end.
This was an excellent result against a side that typically LRFC struggles against. After seeing out the initial energy from Gotherington the game was in LRFC control even if goals were a bit hard to come by.
Tom was MotM for a performance in the heart of midfield that was very typical Tom but with a difference. He was physical, destructive and full of energy. He displays quite remarkable fitness levels and was seemingly not concerned in the least by the heavy pitch. What was different was that he played with his head up and was playing the ball to team mates in better positions. A total defensive midfield display.
He was run very close by Jacob who played in the heart of the defence alongside Ben in the absence of Lewis, missing with a dead leg. Jacob, although in an unfamiliar position was all action and showed the quality he has when bringing the ball out. Alf(ie) was also excellent today; winning balls in the air and showing quality in possession. Improving with every game he is becoming a very important part of this squad.
LRFC finishes the year with a 100% record in league and cup and with 8 more league games to play. If they keep winning it remains in their hands. One thing is for certain, if they take their eye of the ball or drop their performance levels the chasing teams are ready to strike.
Thursday, December 10, 2015
Gotherington at Home
Sunday we have our final game of the calendar year with a match at home to Gotherington. They are a team we know well and we have often struggled against. They sit 5th in the table on 15 points from 9 games played with 5 wins and 4 defeats. We will need to be at our best to maintain our excellent start to the season. There also promises to be a bumper crowd for the game with lots of Tommy's boy playing in both sides - lets make sure we put on a good showing!
The game is at Naunton Park and, as the home team, we should meet at 1:15 so we can set-up ahead of the 2pm kick off. The squad will be as follows with Tom unfortunately not selected for this fixture.
- Will
- Tom
- Ben
- Dan G
- Adam
- Sam
- Jacob
- Ryan
- Freddie
- Olly
- Luca
- Dan A
- Jorge
- Tommy
- Max
- Alf
Lewis is unavailable for this match through injury.
Monday, December 7, 2015
Sunday, December 6, 2015
Hard work at Abbeymead
GFA County Cup Third Round
Abbeymead Rovers (3) v (4) LRFC Cougars
Into the quarters!!
This LRFC team has never progressed beyond one match in this
completion before and yet today after a hard fought game they find
themselves in the quarter finals!
LRFC were away at Abbeymead a team they faced earlier this season
beating 3-1 after huffing and puffing for much of the game. Today's
match had a different feel to it with Abbeymead starting much the
stronger and enjoying the better of the early exchanges. While they
made good progress they were unable to get a telling shot on target
such was the LRFC defence with Lewis and Ben both having excellent
matches.
As the half progressed LRFC started to wake up and turn the game
around. For their dominance they could not get a goal. The opener came
from Abbeymead who breached the LRFC high defensive line to leave
Will, in goal, no chance with a well taken goal.
This sparked LRFC into action and they equalised immediately with Dan
scoring past the keeper who until then had been in fine form. An
excellent save from Luca at the near post particularly catching the
eye.
Half time came with the game poised at 1-1.
At half time the LRFC team were flat; there was very little spark.
Whatever was said seemed to have an impact with the team starting the
second half much stronger. Dominating possession and territory but not
making the breakthrough in terms of goals. With the defence pushing
out LRFC were susceptible on the break with the Abbeymead striker
posing a lurking threat.
Freddie along with Ryan and Alf in the heart of midfield had worked
tirelessly to break up attacks and feed the ball forwards. Ryan would
be awarded the MotM for a display of typical energy and tenacity in
the heart of midfield. The team did play like they were two teams, the
defensive 6 and attacking 4.
The breakthrough goal for LRFC came from Jorge with a fine instinctive
finish. Tommy, in the number 10 role, slotted the ball through for
Jorge to turn and hit home. 2-1 and excellent for Jorge to get on the
scoresheet.
Max started in the number 10 role and was straight into the thick of
the action as Abbeymead defended strongly and looked to close him down
quickly. Max is normally associated with the cultured elements of the
game but today showed a robustness in the challenge.
This LRFC side has excellent options at full back and today had the
full complement of 4 available. With Dan and Adam completely 2-footed
they can play either side and defend adeptly on each wing. Sam and Tom
offer a different approach to the position with a more attacking bias.
What this gives this team is a real blend that can be used for
different phases of the game. Having two talented full backs is a good
position for a team, having four is a bit greedy!
A third goal came shortly afterwards with Tommy bundling home from
close range making it 5 goals in 3 games as his run of personal good
form continues. Abbeymead then scored, possibly, the goal of the game
with the Abbeymead striker chipping the ball with the outside of his
foot beyond Will who was rushing out to narrow the angle.
There was a 4th LRFC goal with Luca finishing after excellent work in
the box. This made the game 4-2 and with moments remaining it was
over. The coaches even shook hands and congratulated each other.
Abbeymead then scored another making it 3-4.
There was though, no time for any other goal threat with the final
whistle being blown shortly after the restart.
The game finished 4-3 to LRFC. This was an excellent game of football
with both teams more than playing their part. From the LRFC view point
they showed physical resilience with Lewis and Freddie in particular
providing steel to the side. When in possession they worked to find
space and support each other. The wingers continue to be the outlet
for this LRFC side and always look dangerous when flying at full backs
towards the goal. Today, but for the keeper, the score could easily
have been more.
There are always things that can be improved and anticipation is one
of them. This was, however, all about getting the victory and getting
to the next round of the competition. The quarter finals will be
played on the weekend of 31-Jan.
Abbeymead Rovers (3) v (4) LRFC Cougars
Into the quarters!!
This LRFC team has never progressed beyond one match in this
completion before and yet today after a hard fought game they find
themselves in the quarter finals!
LRFC were away at Abbeymead a team they faced earlier this season
beating 3-1 after huffing and puffing for much of the game. Today's
match had a different feel to it with Abbeymead starting much the
stronger and enjoying the better of the early exchanges. While they
made good progress they were unable to get a telling shot on target
such was the LRFC defence with Lewis and Ben both having excellent
matches.
As the half progressed LRFC started to wake up and turn the game
around. For their dominance they could not get a goal. The opener came
from Abbeymead who breached the LRFC high defensive line to leave
Will, in goal, no chance with a well taken goal.
This sparked LRFC into action and they equalised immediately with Dan
scoring past the keeper who until then had been in fine form. An
excellent save from Luca at the near post particularly catching the
eye.
Half time came with the game poised at 1-1.
At half time the LRFC team were flat; there was very little spark.
Whatever was said seemed to have an impact with the team starting the
second half much stronger. Dominating possession and territory but not
making the breakthrough in terms of goals. With the defence pushing
out LRFC were susceptible on the break with the Abbeymead striker
posing a lurking threat.
Freddie along with Ryan and Alf in the heart of midfield had worked
tirelessly to break up attacks and feed the ball forwards. Ryan would
be awarded the MotM for a display of typical energy and tenacity in
the heart of midfield. The team did play like they were two teams, the
defensive 6 and attacking 4.
The breakthrough goal for LRFC came from Jorge with a fine instinctive
finish. Tommy, in the number 10 role, slotted the ball through for
Jorge to turn and hit home. 2-1 and excellent for Jorge to get on the
scoresheet.
Max started in the number 10 role and was straight into the thick of
the action as Abbeymead defended strongly and looked to close him down
quickly. Max is normally associated with the cultured elements of the
game but today showed a robustness in the challenge.
This LRFC side has excellent options at full back and today had the
full complement of 4 available. With Dan and Adam completely 2-footed
they can play either side and defend adeptly on each wing. Sam and Tom
offer a different approach to the position with a more attacking bias.
What this gives this team is a real blend that can be used for
different phases of the game. Having two talented full backs is a good
position for a team, having four is a bit greedy!
A third goal came shortly afterwards with Tommy bundling home from
close range making it 5 goals in 3 games as his run of personal good
form continues. Abbeymead then scored, possibly, the goal of the game
with the Abbeymead striker chipping the ball with the outside of his
foot beyond Will who was rushing out to narrow the angle.
There was a 4th LRFC goal with Luca finishing after excellent work in
the box. This made the game 4-2 and with moments remaining it was
over. The coaches even shook hands and congratulated each other.
Abbeymead then scored another making it 3-4.
There was though, no time for any other goal threat with the final
whistle being blown shortly after the restart.
The game finished 4-3 to LRFC. This was an excellent game of football
with both teams more than playing their part. From the LRFC view point
they showed physical resilience with Lewis and Freddie in particular
providing steel to the side. When in possession they worked to find
space and support each other. The wingers continue to be the outlet
for this LRFC side and always look dangerous when flying at full backs
towards the goal. Today, but for the keeper, the score could easily
have been more.
There are always things that can be improved and anticipation is one
of them. This was, however, all about getting the victory and getting
to the next round of the competition. The quarter finals will be
played on the weekend of 31-Jan.
Friday, December 4, 2015
Training :: December to January...
I know we haven't even had Christmas yet.......................
but looking ahead to the fixtures over the next few weeks we have a four week gap between our last game this year, Gotherington on 13th December and our first game next year, Lakeside on 10th January.
Looking back at the impact that a 10 day half term had on the team against Bourton this could have a significant impact on our season. With the first game in the new year against a Lakeside team that is doing very well in the league themselves.
We will be looking to organise a friendly, if possible, for the 3rd January - there will also be some fitness training over the Christmas period so that the lads maintain their levels during a period where they will be mainly doing nothing....
Details to follow...
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
County Cup 3rd Round :: 6th December
This Sunday we have the third round of the John Kennedy, GFA County Cup with a game away to Abbeymead Rovers.
The match will be played at Heron Park, Glevum Way, Abbeydale, Gloucester, GL4-4BL (park at the Abbeydale Community Centre, follow the path from the rear into Heron Park). Kick off is at 2pm so as normal let's meet at 1:30pm.
We have played Abbeymead already this season beating them 3-1 in the league in what was a tough game where we were behind at half time. Make no mistake we will need to be on our game this Sunday. We have a full squad and the approach regards player and game management will be to win the game.
Squad for this will be
Will
Lewis
Ben
Adam
Sam
Dan G
Tom
Freddie
Ryan
Alf
Luca
Dan A
Ollie
Tommy
Max
Jorge
Link to the cup website :: http://www.gloucestershirefa.com/cups/2015-2016/u16-boys-john-kennedy-cup
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Training Update :: 02-Dec
This Wednesday (02-Dec) representatives from Cheltenham Town FC are coming along to talk to the players about their Futsal education programme. Aimed for boys aged 16-18 starting in September 2016. They will be at training and spend 5-10 minutes talking through the programme before then leading the training session.
Some background on what the CTFC BTEC is...
The students study a BTEC level 3 sports course with CTFC as well as representing Cheltenham Town Football Club in the national Futsal league. In this league they would be competing against other professional football clubs like Bristol City, Cardiff City & Exeter...
The BTEC course does not affect the students playing weekend football or evenings so they will still be able to play for their respected team they play for, most improve during there time on the course. All education and training takes part in the week during normal school hours.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)